Zink Lake and a new pedestrian bridge over the Arkansas River in Tulsa will open Labor Day weekend. River Parks expects increased traffic in the area.

The grand opening is less than 21 days away, and a new parking lot is scheduled to be completed by then. This is just one of many ongoing improvements.

“We hope thousands of people will come with their friends and families,” said Renee McKenney, president of Tulsa Regional Tourism. The expanded parking lot on the east bank of the river will provide more than 200 new spaces to accommodate expected demand.

Views of the river have improved since River Parks removed the thickets that previously blocked the view. “It’s a more inviting experience, so you don’t feel like you’re hiking through the woods to get to the bank,” said Jeff Edwards, executive director of River Parks.

Street parking along Riverside has been adequate and the new parking will increase capacity even further. Restrooms and water dispensers on the east side are currently being renovated.

Both sides of the riverfront will see improvements as the area becomes a more popular recreational spot. “This is an opportunity for us to show the citizens of Tulsa what Zink Lake and the whitewater ride have to offer,” Edwards added.

On the west side, Arbor Park is currently being remodeled to provide additional parking and new restrooms. A walking trail leads south to the new bridge.

“Now you have connectivity, and that makes a huge difference,” McKenney said. “You can walk across the bridge, use it for jogging, and participate in or watch the raft race and fun run.”

The lake will be filled before Labor Day weekend and the new weirs will be operational to accommodate the raft race and the influx of visitors.